To help combat equine land loss and as part of a new public educational initiative, the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) will conduct the first in a series of forums, “Secrets of Land Use Planning Revealed–And Why You Should Care,” on March 10 at Shannondale Farm in Alpharetta, Ga. This event will be the first of three educational forums scheduled for 2012 and 2013 at various locations around the country, leading up to ELCR’s 2014 National Conference.

Land use planning is an important activity that helps a community grow and function in the manner that is needed and desired by its residents.  As the population in a community changes, there is a need to plan for how area land will be used.  With the Census Bureau predicting the U.S. population to increase by nearly 100 million people by 2050, many communities will face dramatic changes in land use.  

"For this reason, it is critical for horsemen to learn how to be a part of this planning process in order to conserve space for equine activities," said Deb Balliet, CEO of the ELCR.  "We currently have over 9 million horses in our country and it takes at least 36 million acres of land to feed them.  But we are losing space at (a rate of) 6,000 acres a day.  In order to preserve a future for the equestrian landscape and lifestyle we love, all horse enthusiasts need to join in this effort, especially on the local level."

The ELCR community land use planning programs are designed to provide attendees with an understanding of the planning process, useful conservation tools, and real-life examples that will help participants become active in land use planning within their communities.  Presentations will discuss methods for protecting horse farms, ranch lands trails, and facilities, in addition to providing ways to promote new trails and facilities